The Quiltmaker's Gift

The answer, of course, is the grown-up who reads it aloud. The detailed illustrations in this book will fascinate the fortunate child who hears the tale. The fortunate adult reader and the child will enjoy following this story about an unhappy king, laden with "things" he thought would make him happy.

A classic consumer, he "gets" more and more - his closets and rooms are burdened with beautiful treasures that bring him little joy. He thinks the only thing he doesn't have - one of the quiltmaker's quilts - will bring him that elusive happiness. But she only gives to the poor - despite his threats and angry attempts to show her who has the power - she will not give him a quilt.

She tells him how he can get that quilt - the answer of course is simple, once he figures it out.

A wonderful gift for that person you know who always gives (s/he might like reading it to children or grandchildren) or the quilt-lover on your list. The colorful quilt patterns shown and named inside the front and back covers, and inside the dustjacket(! ) are fantastic.

Like "Old Turtle," this is a beautifully illustrated book with rich layers to be enjoyed by children and adults, year after year.


A Tale of Generosity   January 9, 2000
jahnemann@hotmail.com (Clinton,MO)
30 out of 32 found this review helpful

I have two boys, five and eight, and I have read to them nightly since they were born. My mother, a children's librarian, has instilled the love of books in myself and my children. This year for Christmas she gave us The Quiltmaker's Gift. It immediately became one of our favorites. The illustrations are outstanding and the text creates visual pictures of it's own. The tale of the joy of giving instead of receiving is an excellent teaching tool for parents. My eight year old cried when the Quiltmaker covered the poor, cold, homeless with breathtakingly beautiful quilts. This book also is a tribute to those talented individuals who make quilts and give them to others. Both of my boys received quilts when they were born and I have one made by my grandmother and grandfather, both whom have passed on. These quilts are treasures as is this book. Buy it!


What a beautiful book, both emotionally and visually!   December 11, 1999
19 out of 20 found this review helpful

I bought this book for my mother, a quilter, because of the simply gorgeous artwork. After I read it, however, and had a chance to examine the artwork in even closer detail, I bought another copy for myself! The story is beautiful and heartwarming; it brought tears to my eyes on several occasions. The bright artwork contains a story within the textual story, inspiring you to find the names of the quilt patterns shown. The dust jacket contains a wonderful seek-and-find puzzle with further quilt blocks. This is a book that will be enjoyed by people of any age. I can't say enough good things about it!


An excellent book with beautiful illustrations and a lesson   October 1, 1999
12 out of 12 found this review helpful

This book is one I would recommend to all who have children in their lives. I am a teacher and read it to my students in grades 3,4,and 5. They all liked the story and were spell-bound by the illustrations. Many these days are interested in character education, and this book does a lovely job of making an important point about giving.